Bicycle NSW is committed to helping people cycle more
Ride to get to work. Ride to get to school. Ride to get your groceries, and ride back to get the garlic that you just forgot.
Ride to see a friend. Ride to see an exhibition. Ride to see a new area, and ride to see your own area from a new perspective.
Ride to replace a train. Ride to replace a bus. Ride to replace a car journey, and ride to replenish your wallet with a week's worth of petrol spending.
Bicycle NSW supports more riding
However, we recognise it is often more complicated than this. The new bike that you just bought from the bike shop, or the second-hand one you bought on Facebook Marketplace, is often not fit to make all the journeys that you have in mind.
That is because whether you need a helmet to set off safely, or a lock to secure your bike at the other end, or somewhere to put your shopping, there are a range of additional items you’ll still need to get. Just having the bike is not enough.
Our Bicycle Buying Guide is a checklist of everything you should consider when you head out to buy a bike
The guide is broken down into four sections: safety, security, self-sufficiency, and practicality.
Items marked with an * are mandatory for all or specific conditions.
1. Safety
Helmet*
It is mandatory to wear one in NSW. You’ll need to purchase a helmet before riding on roads, bike and shared paths, in bike lanes, recreational parks and car parks, and on footpaths (where legal). Police may stop bike riders and issue a fine or a warning for not wearing an approved bicycle helmet.
Bell
For as little as $11, it’s a useful tool for communicating with cyclists and other users on shared paths. After you have attached it to your handlebars, we recommend reading the Bicycle NSW recommendations for safer bell use.
Front and rear lights*
They are required by law when riding at night or in low-light conditions. It is worth thinking about the type of environment you plan to ride in, and finding lights that are suitable. The strength of the light is measured in lumens. For example, a light with 200-400 lumens will make you more visible on the roads, but 800-1000 will allow you to ride outside of a city where there is no street lighting.
Built-in dynamo lights are a great idea as they don’t need regular charging or new batteries, and they are difficult to steal.
High-visibility garment
Particularly in urban environments, bike lights can be lost amongst the busyness of bright advertising and powerful car headlights. Wearing an outer layer made from a reflective material will allow you to be seen from all angles. We have written an article that explores visibility in more detail.
2. Security
Lock
Protecting your bike from theft is essential. Different locks will serve different purposes. In many cases, a cable lock would be an adequate preventive measure whilst you dash into a cafe. In other scenarios, such as leaving your bike for multiple hours at a train station, you would require a robust D-Lock, or multiple locks. Before buying one it is worth considering the journeys you plan to make, and where you plan to leave your bike.
Serial number
Once you have your bike, make a note of this unique identification number. It is usually found on the underside of the bike frame. This number is the most efficient way to assist the police if your bike is lost or stolen. Our article provides great advice about what to do in this situation.
A practical town bike with mudguards, a basket, a front wheel 'cafe lock' and a bell.
A Tern QuickHaul e-bike has integral lights, front and rear racks and a double stand. It is easy to add large panniers and seats for children of all ages. Lug+Carrie offers subscriptions for several models of Tern e-cargo bikes with optional accessories.
3. Self-sufficiency
Tyres
Don’t assume that the tyres the bike comes with are the best for the type of riding you’re doing. Think about the surface you’re most likely to be on, and research a suitable tyre to avoid punctures. The Schwalbe Marathon is a popular option for resistance.
Spare inner tube, tyre levers and hand-pump
Should you happen to have a flat tyre, you’ll need these three items to get rolling again. Removing and replacing a faulty tube is a core skill that is really worth developing. Even though it can take a few attempts to feel confident, it will allow you to ride without the worry of ‘what if I get a puncture?’. We’ve also written some more detailed information about essentials to carry.
Track pump
Investing in a track or floor pump with a pressure gauge will help you maintain the correct tyre pressure and avoid unnecessary ‘pinchflat’ punctures from riding over bumps.
4. Practicality
Luggage rack or bikepacking equipment
Instead of carrying a backpack you might want to consider a rack and panniers or a basket to carry your belongings on the bike. From getting groceries, to going to the beach, this will increase the range of trips you can make, and help replace many of the ones you’d usually do by car.
Mudguard
Investing in mudguards or fenders will allow you to continue riding even when the roads are wet, and stop the back of your clothes from getting wet with surface spray.
Bicycle stand
A single or double prong stand is really helpful for quick stops when there is nowhere to lean a bike against.
Racks and baskets turn bikes into serious car-replacement machines. And dogs love travelling by bike!
Water bottle holder
If you’re riding in NSW for most of the year you’re likely to want to carry water to stay hydrated. Before you start riding, be sure to attach a holder to the frame of your bike, so you can carry a bottle.
Charger for e-bikes
There may be opportunities - whether you’re commuting to work, or riding to a friends - where you’d like to charge your e-bike battery, so you have the range to make the return trip. Think about how you’d prefer to carry the charger.
Keen to buy an e-bike?
All of these tips apply to e-bikes too. But there is an extra layer of policy, regulation and safety to consider. We have compiled up-to-date resources on our Buying an e-bike in NSW page.
Finally, make sure you test out the bike!
You should always test-ride any bike before purchase to make sure that you are comfortable and like the way it rides.
And get familiar with a convenient bike shop that will service the bike going forward. People have bought cheaper bikes online or in big box stores, only to find out that their bike has parts that cannot be serviced easily in Australia.
Community acknowledgement
Thank you to Bicycle NSW Member Leon Arundell for suggesting that our riding resources should include advice about buying a practical bike that can be used at night, on wet roads and to carry luggage - without needing regular puncture repairs!
Leon's support in collating the information for this guide has been invaluable.
His own bicycle buyer’s checklist is another excellent resource for any cyclists looking for help with choosing the best bike for their needs.
Before you you ride your new bicycle
Whether you ride for transport, exercise or recreation, we invite you to join Bicycle NSW to benefit from top-of-the-range insurance. Importantly, you will also support our advocacy and campaigns to make everywhere in NSW better for bike riding.
Not quite ready to sign up? Then please consider making a one-off donation to support the work we’re doing.
FAQs
Regular bike maintenance is essential for a safe and enjoyable riding experience. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, these tips and resources will help you keep your bike in excellent condition.
From hydration and nutrition to clothing and accessories, it’s important to be well-prepared for bike rides. Explore our check-list to make sure you have everything covered.
You may not know that Bicycle NSW Membership automatically covers you for personal accidents and public liability as part of our worldwide insurance coverage.
Bicycle NSW has partnered with IAG to provide a quality and cost-effective bike insurance product for all bicycle owners.
Bicycle NSW Members receive a 10% discount on our bike insurance via Insurance4That.
Whether you’re a resident of Sydney, or just passing through, cycling is a great way to get around the city. Bicycle NSW has pulled together some of the best bicycle tracks in Sydney you might want to consider for a fantastic day out.
There are more tips and resources on our page Cycling in Sydney.